Constructing the Past

Volume 6 Issue 1 Article 5

2005

The Struggle for the Union: The Constitutional Union Party in the Election of 1860

Lauren Jensen Illinois Wesleyan University

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Recommended Citation Jensen, Lauren (2005) "The Struggle for the Union: The Constitutional Union Party in the Election of 1860," Constructing the Past: Vol. 6 : Iss. 1 , Article 5. Available at: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/constructing/vol6/iss1/5

This Article is protected by copyright and/or related rights. It has been brought to you by Digital Commons @ IWU with permission from the rights-holder(s). You are free to use this material in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s) directly, unless additional rights are indicated by a Creative Commons license in the record and/ or on the work itself. This material has been accepted for inclusion by editorial board of the Undergraduate Economic Review and the Economics Department at Illinois Wesleyan University. For more information, please contact [email protected]. ©Copyright is owned by the author of this document. The Struggle for the Union: The Constitutional Union Party in the Election of 1860

Abstract One of the most important and influential periods in our nation's history, the outbreak of the Civil War occurred as a result of the pivotal presidential election of 1860. The Constitutional Union Party, less well known than the others, attempted to provide a national united force at a time of crisis; their goal was to support the Constitution and not divisive political policies. Despite their efforts in Northern and Southern states, their candidates did not capture any of the major offices and the Constitutional Unionar P ty disbanded shortly after.

This article is available in Constructing the Past: https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/constructing/vol6/iss1/5 l

Constructing the Past Constructing the Past

The Struggle for the Union: The Constitutional Union Party in the Lewis, Jayne Elizabeth. The Trial ofMary Queen ofScots: A BriefHistory with Documents. New York: St. Martin's, 1999. Election of 1860 By Lauren Jensen McLaren, Anne. "The Quest for a King: Gender, Marriage, and Succession in Elizabethan England." Journal ofBritish Studies 41 (July 2002): 259-289. One ofthe most important and influential periods in our nation's history, the outbreak ofthe Civil War occurred as a result ofthe pivotalpresidential election of1860. The Constitutional Union Party, less well known than the others, attempted to provide a national unitedforce at a time ofcrisis: their goal was to support the Constitution Neale, John E. Elizabeth I and Her Parliaments. Vol. 2, 1584-1601 New York: St. Martin's and not divisive political policies. Despite their efforts in Northern and Southern states, their candidates did not Press, 1958. capture any ofthe major offices and the Constitutional Union Party disbanded shortly after.

Read, Conyers ed. The Bardon Papers: Documents Relating to the Imprisonment & Trial of Resolved, That it is both the part ofpatriotism and of duty to recognise no political Mary Queen ofScot., Vol 17 London: Office of the Society, 1909. principle other than the Constitution ofour country, the union ofthe States, and the enforcement ofthe Laws ... [under the] Constitution of our fathers, [that] has solemnly Read, Conyers. Lord Burghley and Queen Elizabeth. Oxford: Alden Press, 1960. bound every citizen of the United States, to maintain a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility... and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and Read, Conyers. Mr. Secretary Walsingham and the policy ofQueen Elizabeth. Vol. 3 Cambridge: our posterity.43 Clarendon Press, 1925. In the months leading to the presidential election of 1860, most Americans understood the grave importance of the contest that eventually led to a political confrontation between the industrializing Northern states and the agriculturally slavery based Southern states. However, some citizens did not see the divided landscape of the Union, and united together to form the Constitutional Union Party. The Constitutional Unionists' efforts were some of the final attempts to save the United States from disunion, as well as some of the most overlooked by historians. Political chaos had taken hold of American politics throughout the 1850s and conflicting opinions were more prevalent than ever in the 1860 election. The election of 1856 was a tight contest between the Democrats and Republicans, with the American Party trailing in third. Stephen A Douglas's support of the 1854 Kansas-Nebraska Act during the mid-term election of 1858 reiterated this strain placed upon the Union. His policies were either divisive, oriented to increase the divide between the northern and southern states, or were the final stages of compromise while some Southern states, notably South Carolina, talked about secession from the Union. Not only was southern pride hurt before the election, there was a southern fear that northern abolitionists wanted slaves to rebel and murder their masters in their beds. Fear of slave rebellions ran rampant throughout the South; however, time showed that no such plot existed on a large-scale organized level. Yet the raid at Harpers' Ferry and the anti-slavery movements elsewhere in the country fueled political and social turmoil. With so many divided opinions, it is no surprise that the nation's political parties were divided as well. From January to November of 1860, southern and northern politicians clamored for reconciliation. Generally, northerners did not rush to appease the demands of the southern states just as southerners were not readily willing to give up the possibility of slavery and the Southern way ofliving spreading to the new territories in the West. Slavery was not the only cause of strife, but it was the main principle of the campaigns of the election. Every party attempted to outline its position on slavery strategically, so citizens knew the goals of each party and could

43 The Daily Nationallntelligencer. Constitutional Union Convention, Detailed Report of the Second Day. Washington D.C.: Gales & Seaton. Saturday, May 12, 1860.

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~ Constructing the Past Constructing the Past vote accordingly. The 1860 presidential election was unique because there were four political Party and Herschel Johnson was chosen as his vice presidential candidate. Upon hearing the parties, which divided the country and two separate elections occurred that November. In the declaration the southern Democrats again walked out of the convention and organized their own. South, Breckenridge and the Southern Democrats battled against BeH and the Constitutional Southern Democrats, unhappy with the national party's platform, separated and Unionists. In the North, on the other hand, Lincoln and the Republicans challenged Douglas and nominated John Breckinridge for president and Joseph Lane as his vice president. Although they the Northern Democrats. While most Democrats remained true to their geographical area, some formed their own party, this was not their original goal. Southern Democrats were loyal party Southern Democrats supported Douglas and certain Northern Democrats promised to vote for members and the destruction of the national Democratic Party was not their prime target. Breckenridge. However, the defeat of Douglas was. Yancey and others looked forward to a move for southern Members of the Democratic Party headed to Charleston to attend their convention first. independence and the annihilation of the national party seemed a step in the right direction.5o Questions of territorial and slavery expansion had split the party into two factions, one foHowing The split simply renewed northern disgust of their southern counterparts, a feeling which would the leadership of Stephen Douglas, supporting popular sovereignty, and the other the principles surface again after Lincoln's election. ofJohn C. Calhoun, William Yancey, and Chief Justice Taney. These Democrats endorsed the The Republican Party held their nominating convention in Chicago where they faced 44 spread of slavery into new territories along with the principles of the Constitution. Douglas problems different from that of the Democratic Party. The Republican Party was comprised of angered southerners when he said that the Dred Scott decision did not decide the fate of slavery conflicting elements, old Whigs and former Democrats, which made it difficult to find and and instead proposed the idea that it only settled the fact that a black person was not a citizen, nominate a candidate that all new Republicans and sections of the country could agree upon. and therefore could not bring a case before a court. In addition to the slavery question, the Like their opponents, the beginnings of the convention centered on a single man, William H. Democratic Party was split, like the nation, over the admission of Kansas into the Union under Seward, who believed he was the favorite and was bound to take the nomination on the first the Lecompton Constitution. Again Douglas appeared to be an enemy of the South. "No longer ballot. However, just as division foHowed Douglas, Seward had a host of issues threatening to would the South parley with a Northern man with Southern principles, no longer compromise or split the fledging party ifhe was nominated. His reputation centered on "irrepressible conflict" faH short of insistence upon their extreme position. To compromise was a losing policy.,,45 In which made him popular with the radicals and essential1y a "sponsor for political antislavery.',51 Charleston, where political turbulence matched that of the Democratic Party, the Douglas faction Seward's radicalism alienated southern counties of northern states; he opposed Know­ managed to pass their platform which quickly prompted the walkout of 50 delegates from the Nothingism, the remnants of which the Republicans needed as a source ofsupport, and was 46 Lower South. With the absence ofSouthern delegates, Douglas could not reach the two-thirds associated with corruption in the New York legislature, which did not make him a favorable threshold needed for the nomination. Before reaching a decision, the convention decided to candidate for members from aH regions. reassemble in Baltimore in June. The question facing the convention was, if Seward's nomination failed, who would be the After the walkout, the seceding members met in Charleston and held their own best nominee? As a host of minor candidates moved forward, four stood out: Salmon P. Chase convention. The delegates listened to speeches but went "on record as opposed to the adoption of Ohio, Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania, Edward Bates of Missouri, and Abraham Lincoln of ofa new party name and to the issuing of a separate platform ofprinciples.,,47 The few weeks in Illinois. While state delegations were discussing their options, the convention lost no time in between were fil1ed with tension. Northerners returned to their home states angry with their settling debate over the platform. On the second day it was passed with less than one-third of its Southern counterparts and Southern Democrats were grossly disappointed with the stubbornness content related to slavery, illustrating that their antislavery passions from 1856 had abated.52 and unwillingness of their Northern brethren to compromise. When the convention convened in Abraham Lincoln was the prime candidate for the Republican Party. Lincoln had gained Baltimore, most of the northern delegates were wil1ing to seat southerners, but the "anti-Douglas attention for himself with the 1858 debates against Douglas, had few enemies, and was more southerners wanted aH or nothing.',48 As the eyes of the nation were focused on the Democratic likely to win the lower North. Lincoln gained support from Know-Nothings and former Whigs convention, some noted that it would foreshadow the general election. Ex-Governor Herschel V. and his stance on slavery had remained the same. He was consistent and opposed slavery, but Johnson of Georgia wrote that "The overthrow of the national Democratic Party would be a proceeded with the plan to halt the expansion of slavery into the territories rather than outlawing gigantic stride toward dissolution.',49 His statement proved true for the nation: first came the it completely. On the third baHot, the Republican convention nominated Abraham Lincoln for split of the Democratic Party, and then the split ofthe Union. As the delegates attempted to president and Hannibal Hamlin, from Maine and a friend of Seward's, for vice president to acquire the two-thirds needed for nomination, Douglas's main rival, John C. Breckinridge, balance the ticket. emerged as a strong chal1enger who better represented the ambitions ofthe South, receiving only As summer approached, the Democrats and the Republicans had held their respective forty less votes than Douglas. Nevertheless, Douglas was declared the nominee of Democratic conventions which resulted in a three-way contest between southern Democrats, northern Democrats, and the more united Republicans. However, there was a growing movement of constitutional unity whose advocates thought that none of the three parties met their needs. As a result, the Constitutional Union Party was founded. Mass "Union Meetings" throughout the 44 File, Emerson David. The Presidential Campaign of1860. New York: Macmillan Company, 1911. 92. Northeast, and later on in the Midwest, gathered locals to the cause. New York, New Jersey, and 45 Ibid, 105. 46 McPherson, James. Battle Cry ofFreedom, The Civil War Era. Oxford, UK: Oxford UniversilY Press, 2003. 215. 47 File, 107. 5. Ibid, 116. 4' McPherson, 216. 5l File, 119. 49 File, 108. 52 Ibid, 124.

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vote accordingly. The 1860 presidential election was unique because there were four political Party and Herschel Johnson was chosen as his vice presidential candidate. Upon hearing the parties, which divided the country and two separate elections occurred that November. In the declaration the southern Democrats again walked out of the convention and organized their own. South, Breckenridge and the Southern Democrats battled against Bell and the Constitutional Southern Democrats, unhappy with the national party's platform, separated and Unionists. In the North, on the other hand, Lincoln and the Republicans challenged Douglas and nominated John Breckinridge for president and Joseph Lane as his vice president. Although they ~~:. the Northern Democrats. While most Democrats remained true to their geographical area, some formed their own party, this was not their original goal. Southern Democrats were loyal party Southern Democrats supported Douglas and certain Northern Democrats promised to vote for members and the destruction of the national Democratic Party was not their prime target. P~'~' Breckenridge. However, the defeat of Douglas was. Yancey and others looked forward to a move for southern Members of the Democratic Party headed to Charleston to attend their convention ftrst. 50 ~'<. independence and the annihilation of the national party seemed a step in the right direction. Questions of territorial and slavery expansion had split the party into two factions, one following The split simply renewed northern disgust of their southern counterparts, a feeling which would ,\a,. the leadership of Stephen Douglas, supporting popular sovereignty, and the other the principles surface again after Lincoln's election. of John C. Calhoun, William Yancey, and Chief Justice Ta,ney. These Democrats endorsed the The Republican Party held their nominating convention in Chicago where they faced 44 spread of slavery into new territories along with the principles of the Constitution. Douglas problems different from that of the Democratic Party. The Republican Party was comprised of ~-;':'-""T,' angered southerners when he said that the Dred Scott decision did not decide the fate of slavery conflicting elements, old Whigs and former Democrats, which made it difftcult to ftnd and ,~".. and instead proposed the idea that it only settled the fact that a black person was not a citizen, nominate a candidate that all new Republicans and sections of the country could agree upon. and therefore could not bring a case before a court. In addition to the slavery question, the Like their opponents, the beginnings of the convention centered on a single man, William H. Democratic Party was split, like the nation, over the admission of Kansas into the Union under Seward, who believed he was the favorite and was bound to take the nomination on the ftrst the Lecompton Constitution. Again Douglas appeared to be an enemy of the South. "No longer ballot. However, just as division followed Douglas, Seward had a host of issues threatening to would the South parley with a Northern man with Southern principles, no longer compromise or split the fledging party ifhe was nominated. His reputation centered on "irrepressible conflict" fall short of insistence upon their extreme position. To compromise was a losing policy.,,45 In which made him popular with the radicals and essentially a "sponsor for political antislavery.',51 Charleston, where political turbulence matched that of the Democratic Party, the Douglas faction Seward's radicalism alienated southern counties of northern states; he opposed Know­ managed to pass their platform which quickly prompted the walkout of 50 delegates from the Nothingism, the remnants of which the Republicans needed as a source of support, and was 46 Lower South. With the absence of Southern delegates, Douglas could not reach the two-thirds associated with corruption in the New York legislature, which did not make him a favorable threshold needed for the nomination. Before reaching a decision, the convention decided to candidate for members from all regions. reassemble in Baltimore in June. The question facing the convention was, if Seward's nomination failed, who would be the After the walkout, the seceding members met in Charleston and held their own best nominee? As a host of minor candidates moved forward, four stood out: Salmon P. Chase convention. The delegates listened to speeches but went "on record as opposed to the adoption of Ohio, Simon Cameron of Pennsylvania, Edward Bates of Missouri, and Abraham Lincoln of of a new party name and to the issuing of a separate platform of principles.'.4? The few weeks in Illinois. While state delegations were discussing their options, the convention lost no time in between were ftlled with tension. Northerners returned to their home states angry with their settling debate over the platform. On the second day it was passed with less than one-third of its Southern counterparts and Southern Democrats were grossly disappointed with the stubbornness content related to slavery, illustrating that their antislavery passions from 1856 had abated.52 and unwillingness of their Northern brethren to compromise. When the convention convened in Abraham Lincoln was the prime candidate for the Republican Party. Lincoln had gained Baltimore, most of the northern delegates were willing to seat southerners, but the "anti-Douglas attention for himself with the 1858 debates against Douglas, had few enemies, and was more southerners wanted all or nothing.'.48 As the eyes of the nation were focused on the Democratic likely to win the lower North. Lincoln gained support from Know-Nothings and former Whigs convention, some noted that it would foreshadow the general election. Ex-Governor Herschel V. and his stance on slavery had remained the same. He was consistent and opposed slavery, but Johnson of Georgia wrote that "The overthrow of the national Democratic Party would be a proceeded with the plan to halt the expansion of slavery into the territories rather than outlawing gigantic stride toward dissolution.'.49 His statement proved true for the nation: ftrst came the it completely. On the third ballot, the Republican convention nominated Abraham Lincoln for .. split ofthe Democratic Party, and then the split of the Union. As the delegates attempted to president and Hannibal Hamlin, from Maine and a friend of Seward's, for vice president to acquire the two-thirds needed for nomination, Douglas's main rival, John C. Breckinridge, balance the ticket. emerged as a strong challenger who better represented the ambitions of the South, receiving only As summer approached, the Democrats and the Republicans had held their respective forty less votes than Douglas. Nevertheless, Douglas was declared the nominee of Democratic conventions which resulted in a three-way contest between southern Democrats, northern Democrats, and the more united Republicans. However, there was a growing movement of ~! constitutional unity whose advocates thought that none of the three parties met their needs. As a ~, result, the Constitutional Union Party was founded. Mass "Union Meetings" throughout the 44 Fite, Emerson David. The Presidential Campaign of1860. New York: Macmillan Company, 1911. 92. Northeast, and later on in the Midwest, gathered locals to the cause. New York, New Jersey, and ~, 45 Ibid, 105. .. McPherson, James. Battle Cry ofFreedom, The Civil War Era. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2003. 215. 47 Fite, 107. 50 1bid 116 48 McPherson, 216. 51 Fite: 119.' 4' Fite, 108. 52 Ibid, 124.

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Kentucky were among the first to hold meetings and elect delegates. The delegates from most of give us once more a thrice happy era of good feeling? What say you, ientlemen, the states decided that the safest route would be a platform which did not address any of the delegates of Chicago, Richmond, and Baltimore? Can you do better?5 issues that caused division between northern and southern states. From the beginning their strength was considerably weaker than that of the two Democratic parties and the Republicans, Conducting two separate campaigns under the same flag was not the goal of the but the Constitutional Unionists were not in the race to win the presidency, but rather to weaken Constitutional Unionists; it hurt their cause of nationalism. Even though the Democratic Party Lincoln in the lower North and therefore throw the election into the House of Representatives. If had split, Douglas remained a strong challenger for Lincoln. Honest Abe's credentials were r'~;~ this was achieved, then the Constitutional Unionists hoped to reconcile the differences between increased as scandals over the Democratic spoils system emerged and the Republicans took full the North and the South by electing a president who would attempt to settle sectional differences. advantage, appealing to voters' sense of integrity and honesty. The charges did not settle well Throughout northern and southern states, union meetings were sanctioned in the months for the current Buchanan administration and reflected poorly on the Democratic candidates. The before the convention, where citizens pledged their support to a movement, not yet a party, sale ofgovernment property, bribery ofjudges, and the corruption ofthe civil service were all which promised to maintain unification. John J. Crittenden called the convention to order and part of a House investigating committee report that was published in June of 1860. This gave the nominated Washington Hunt of New York as the temporary chairman to proceed over the Republicans just enough time to produce a shortened version for distribution. _ "t" convention. Hunt addressed the delegates and onlookers in an opening address: "We are broUght As the campaign continued, the threat of secession from the Union by southern states ...... , by no partisan influences, for in times like these the interests of party and schemes of personal increased in proportion to the fear of a Republican administration. Horace Greeley and other ambition become utterly insignificant and worthless.... Let us know no party but our country, Republicans promised not to attack slavery unless using constitutional means; Southerners and no platform but the Union.,,53 During the afternoon session, he continued to reiterate the thought that not matter how dedicated to the Constitution a Republican administration would be, purpose of the Constitutional Union Party: they would still seek to undermine slavery. 59 The southerners feared more incidents like John We are one people and one country; we go forth under one flag; we stand upon national Brown and the abolition of slavery altogether. Their argument rested on the notion that if the ground, representing the interest of a great continent which Providence has entrusted to fugitive slave law and the 'rescues' of fugitives were threatened under the Democratic Buchanan our charge; and I believe the people will yet prove themselves equal to the destiny which administration, then there was no hope for the southern plantation system to survive under a has been given to them, and hand it over, as one harmonious nation, to those who are to Republican president. This fear compounded and Southerners thought that not only their way of come after US.,,54 life would be endangered, but also their pride and rights would be taken from them. . The South believed that cotton was king and that their independence could be maintained When the delegates turned their attention to the development of a platform, the result was with the plantation system. In addition, Europe would rush to the South's aid because they one without much substance. Thomas Swann of Maryland believed that they should "repudiate would need King Cotton. The South believed that the North could not survive without the all platforms but the Constitution" and Erastus Brooks of New York agreed, stating that "this system of slavery supporting them, therefore giving Southern demands more leverage. Convention [is] to present no platform to the country save the Constitution of the United Unfortunately, this theory would not prove useful once the Lower South had seceded. It is States.,,55 Edward Everett, the soon-to-be vice presidential candidate said: "The Constitution of important to keep in mind that not all Southerners advocated secession in the case of Lincoln's the United States is Platform enough and the public character of Individuals sufficient guaranty election. Many thought that it would be to their disadvantage because of the costs of setting up a [sic] of their fidelity to it !and that the Party was to] assume the position of moderation in the government and the taxation that the citizens would endure.6o None ofthe parties openly great sectional conflict.,,5 After discussing their platform, the delegates moved straight to the supported secession, but the Bell-Everett campaign made it one of their goals to entice the nomination of their candidates on the second day. By the end of the second ballot, they Breckenridge Democrats into openly admitting their support and "convict them of their true nominated John Bell of Tennessee for president. Edward Everett of Massachusetts, a contender secessionist sentiment.,,61 It was difficult for the Breckenridge Democrats to deny this because for the presidential nomination, was chosen for the office of vice president despite his protests. 57 most of their supporters were the most radical and the least supportive of the Union. By the time the nomination results were published, Constitutional Union Party supporters began The other candidates also addressed the growing concern over Southern secession. Bell to question their ability to maintain the Union: made a strict plan to adhere to moderation and compromise because those were the principles of ~ Would it not be a glorious thing for the peace and unity and prosperity of our whole the Constitution itself, but members of his party did have a reputation for growing violent on the ~:i,. , ,,).; country if each and all of the other parties, discarding their several dissensions and subject. Douglas's campaign for unionism rested with the idea that if a Republican (Lincoln) predilections, could unite upon them in a spirit of comprehensive patriotism, and thus was elected, the southern states did not have the right to secede and that the president did have the power to enforce all laws in defense of the Union. As November drew nearer, Douglas focused more and more of his campaign on preserving the Union and less on his own election. 53 The Daily National Intelligencer. Friday May II, 1860. One citizen wrote that he did not fear dissolution of the Union: "Ibid. " The Daily National InteIligencer. Friday May II, 1860. '6 Brown, Thomas. "Edward Everett and the Constitutional Union Party of 1860." Historical S8 The Daily National Intelligencer. Friday May II, 1860. Journal ofMassachusetts 11:2. 71. 59 The Daily National Intelligencer. Friday May 11,1860,163. 57 Varg, Paul A. Edward Everett, The Intellectual in the Turmoil ofPolitics. Selinsgrove: Susquehanna University 60 Fite, 172, Press, 1992. 190. 61 Ibid, 175. ~;- 'f}

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Kentucky were among the first to hold meetings and elect delegates. The delegates from most of give us once more a thrice happy era of good feeling? What say you, ~entlemen, the states decided that the safest route would be a platform which did not address any of the delegates of Chicago, Richmond, and Baltimore? Can you do better?5 issues that caused division between northern and southern states. From the beginning their strength was considerably weaker than that of the two Democratic parties and the Republicans, Conducting two separate campaigns under the same flag was not the goal of the but the Constitutional Unionists were not in the race to win the presidency, but rather to weaken Constitutional Unionists; it hurt their cause of nationalism. Even though the Democratic Party Lincoln in the lower North and therefore throw the election into the House of Representatives. If had split, Douglas remained a strong challenger for Lincoln. Honest Abe's credentials were :'~ this was achieved, then the Constitutional Unionists hoped to reconcile the differences between increased as scandals over the Democratic spoils system emerged and the Republicans took full the North and the South by electing a president who would attempt to settle sectional differences. advantage, appealing to voters' sense of integrity and honesty. The charges did not settle well Throughout northern and southern states, union meetings were sanctioned in the months for the current Buchanan administration and reflected poorly on the Democratic candidates. The before the convention, where citizens pledged their support to a movement, not yet a party, sale ofgovernment property, bribery ofjudges, and the corruption ofthe civil service were all which promised to maintain unification. John J. Crittenden called the convention to order and part of a House investigating committee report that was published in June of 1860. This gave the nominated Washington Hunt of New York as the temporary chairman to proceed over the Republicans just enough time to produce a shortened version for distribution. convention. Hunt addressed the delegates and onlookers in an opening address: "We are brOUght As the campaign continued, the threat of secession from the Union by southern states by no partisan influences, for in times like these the interests ofparty and schemes of personal increased in proportion to the fear of a Republican administration. Horace Greeley and other ~< ambition become utterly insignificant and worthless.... Let us know no party but our country, Republicans promised not to attack slavery unless using constitutional means; Southerners and no platform but the Union.,,53 During the afternoon session, he continued to reiterate the thought that not matter how dedicated to the Constitution a Republican administration would be, purpose of the Constitutional Union Party: they would still seek to undermine slavery. 59 The southerners feared more incidents like John We are one people and one country; we go forth under one flag; we stand upon national Brown and the abolition of slavery altogether. Their argument rested on the notion that if the ground, representing the interest of a great continent which Providence has entrusted to fugitive slave law and the 'rescues' of fugitives were threatened under the Democratic Buchanan our charge; and I believe the people will yet prove themselves equal to the destiny which administration, then there was no hope for the southern plantation system to survive under a has been given to them, and hand it over, as one harmonious nation, to those who are to Republican president. This fear compounded and Southerners thought that not only their way of come after us. ,,54 life would be endangered, but also their pride and rights would be taken from them. . The South believed that cotton was king and that their independence could be maintained When the delegates turned their attention to the development of a platform, the result was with the plantation system. In addition, Europe would rush to the South's aid because they one without much substance. Thomas Swann of Maryland believed that they should "repudiate would need King Cotton. The South believed that the North could not survive without the all platforms but the Constitution" and Erastus Brooks of New York agreed, stating that "this system of slavery supporting them, therefore giving Southern demands more leverage. Convention [is] to present no platform to the country save the Constitution of the United Unfortunately, this theory would not prove useful once the Lower South had seceded. It is States.,,55 Edward Everett, the soon-to-be vice presidential candidate said: "The Constitution of important to keep in mind that not all Southerners advocated secession in the case of Lincoln's the United States is Platform enough and the public character ofIndividuals sufficient guaranty election. Many thought that it would be to their disadvantage because of the costs of setting up a [sic] of their fidelity to it land that the Party was to] assume the position of moderation in the government and the taxation that the citizens would endure.6o None ofthe parties openly great sectional conflict.,,5 After discussing their platform, the delegates moved straight to the supported secession, but the Bell-Everett campaign made it one of their goals to entice the nomination of their candidates on the second day. By the end of the second ballot, they Breckenridge Democrats into openly admitting their support and "convict them of their true nominated John Bell of Tennessee for president. Edward Everett of Massachusetts, a contender t> 57 secessionist sentiment.,,61 It was difficult for the Breckenridge Democrats to deny this because for the presidential nomination, was chosen for the office of vice president despite his protests. most of their supporters were the most radical and the least supportive of the Union. f" By the time the nomination results were published, Constitutional Union Party supporters began The other candidates also addressed the growing concern over Southern secession. Bell to question their ability to maintain the Union: made a strict plan to adhere to moderation and compromise because those were the principles of -.:> Would it not be a glorious thing for the peace and unity and prosperity of our whole the Constitution itself, but members of his party did have a reputation for growing violent on the 'ii, , ~< country if each and all of the other parties, discarding their several dissensions and subject. Douglas's campaign for unionism rested with the idea that if a Republican (Lincoln) predilections, could unite upon them in a spirit of comprehensive patriotism, and thus was elected, the southern states did not have the right to secede and that the president did have the power to enforce all laws in defense of the Union. As November drew nearer, Douglas focused more and more of his campaign on preserving the Union and less on his own election. 53 The Daily National Intelligencer. Friday May II, 1860. One citizen wrote that he did not fear dissolution of the Union: "Ibid. " The Daily Nationallntelligencer. Friday May 11, 1860. '6 Brown, Thomas. "Edward Everett and the Constitutional Union Party of 1860." Historical "The Daily Nationallntelligencer. Friday May II, 1860. Journal ofMassachusells 11:2. 71. S9 The Daily National lntelligencer. Friday May ll, 1860,163. S7 Varg, Paul A. Edward Everell, The Intellectual in the Turmoil ofPolitics. Selinsgrove: Susquehanna University 60 Fite, 172. Press, 1992. 190. 61 Ibid, 175. ; '!'

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Whatever diversity of opinion may be among the four Presidential Constitution and in favor ofpolitical mutiny. Their appeal was calculated towards reason and candidates as to slavery and the power of Congress over it, they are all caution and their 'platform' did not generate much excitement. Ironically, the Constitutional united on one point-every one is in favor of the Union.... Under these Unionists' strong point was also their weakest. Since the party decided not to take a stand on assurances, the people must feel perfectly easy in their minds in regard to any of the issues, they lost out on political contests and support from voters; most voters were the future of the country, no matter how the election may turn. The fact not going to be excited about leaders that promising to do nothing.67 One citizen from Mattoon, that they all defer to the Union sentiment of the country proves that the Illinois wrote in support: Union is a little too strong yet for either of them to destroy, if they were so I believe that the perpetuity of the Union and the liberties of our people 62 disposed. depend upon the success of a 'National Party' that shall not adopt the Douglas however, did not share the same opinion. He was the first to break with tradition and extreme views of either ofthe present prominent political parties. When I campaign for himself and, in a bold move, he traveled to southern states where he was despised see what has passed in Congress, threatening disunion, I am not astonished by the people, in hopes of saving parts of the Union. that the conservative element of the country, seeing a crisis at hand, have The Breckenridge campaign found weakness in the' Constitutional Union Party's stance; determined to divert the public mind into a different channel, and thereby whose interpretation ofthe Constitution did they follow, that of Washington and Madison, avert the blow that must have fallen ere long very heavily upon that best Calhoun, Yancey and Taney, or Douglas?63 Between the two, neither Bell nor Everett had issued interest of the country.68 a formal statement on their opinion of slavery, which added to vague platform. Even though this :"r;·; presented Bell as a weak candidate allowing "his Southern campaign supporters to praise slavery Their hope lay in a combination of voters from all backgrounds with enough Union sentiment to ... [and] at the same time his Northern supporters in Massachusetts, the home of Everett, the avoid civil war, and to politically work out the differences between the North and the South. vice presidential candidate, stoutly denied any sympathy or connection with slavery." Everett's Ideally, they wanted to appeal to voters in the middle. J antislavery record appeared later in the campaign. Once the double-front of their campaign Constitutional Unionists hoped to gain support from all areas of the country, though they ~~· became apparent, it weakened their attractiveness as a Union party. did not focus much time or energy in the western states. Their campaign slogans appealed to the The Republicans never truly found secession an issue which they should be concerned patriotic elements in every citizen. Some ofthe most notable are: "In Union there is strength. ; with and "they ridiculed the Southern braggadocio, joked about it, but almost never took it up in The Union: nothing can dissolve it. Applause follows merit where-Ever-et goes. A vote for earnest debate.,,64 After secession had been attempted, however northern Republicans took the Breckinridge is a vote for Lincoln. Satan was the first Seceder. The patriots of '76, we feel their ih'. issue seriously. But to discuss the matter before Lincoln's election would seal the fate of the spirit and will perpetuate their work. The States: Distinct as billows; one as the sea.,,69 In southern states and many of Lincoln's supporters would have thought harder about casting their Massachusetts, Everett's home state, and other northern states like New York, Union meetings l ballot for him if it meant the onset of civil war. Most historians have agreed that this was the took place in mass, but the candidates did not expect to win there. Everett admitted that he Republican Party's major error of the campaign, and "hindsight was to reveal that Southerners thought the battle had been lost even before the election took place. He hoped to block the means what they said. ,,65 election of Lincoln, and Bell wished the same. Bell anticipated that moderate Republicans In the meantime, supporters of the Constitutional Union Party sought another goal. would sense Lincoln did not have a chance as a sectional candidate and switch their votes to the Instead of discussing divisive issues, such as the Homestead Act, like the Democrats and the Constitutional Union Party to prevent a Democratic victory. Since the Democrats were split Republicans, the Constitutional Unionists tried to revive the ideals and policies of the Founding anyway, it seemed lo~ical to vote for Bell, the one candidate that attempted to bridge the gap Fathers in an effort to uphold the Union. Members of the party felt that "all party issues were between the sections. 0 Everett had a similar outlook; he hoped to gain votes from the South to declared secondary to the preservation of the Union.,,66 Since the party declared no formal create a non-sectional voting bloc. Everett described Lincoln as a "moderate and reasonable platform, although some members of the Pennsylvania delegation did want a tariff proposal, man,,71, but he feared Lincoln's election as a representative of a sectional, antislavery party party members expected to fail. In its place, the Constitutional Union Party that formed f< would undoubtedly lead to Southern succession. In other words, the Constitutional Unionists consisted of members of the populace who were determined to avoid civil war and disunion. hoped to pull enough votes to throw the election to the House. This was an atypical party destined to fail, but the Constitutional Unionists did not give up hope; Even this task proved too difficult for the non-sectional party. In the North, the they continued to campaign and took a drastically different approach at the election than their Constitutional Unionists knew that Lincoln had enormous strength and Everett expected to lose three counterparts. Massachusetts. Early polling indicated that there was a possibility that the Unionists could take First, their appeal to the Constitution and the enforcement of the laws was exactly what New York, but by November Republican strength was more than they could handle. In the every political party claims to stand for; a party would not pledge themselves as disloyal to the South, Bell and Everett opened with an appeal to southern Unionists and for the most part, the

02 The Daily Nalionallnlelligencer, June 30, 1860. 67 Ibid, 356, 63 File, 186. 68 The Daily Nalionallntelligencer, March 14, 1860. 64 File, 187. 69 The DailyNationallnlelligencer.. August 10, 1860. 65 McPherson, 230. 70 Parks, 356. 66 Parks, Joseph Howard. John Bell ofTennessee. Baton Rouge: Louisiana Stale University Press, 1950. 355. 71 Varg, 190.

,'!II 16 17 Constructing the Past Constructing the Past

Whatever diversity of opinion may be among the four Presidential Constitution and in favor ofpolitical mutiny. Their appeal was calculated towards reason and candidates as to slavery and the power of Congress over it, they are all caution and their 'platform' did not generate much excitement. Ironically, the Constitutional united on one point-every one is in favor of the Union.... Under these Unionists' strong point was also their weakest. Since the party decided not to take a stand on assurances, the people must feel perfectly easy in their minds in regard to any of the issues, they lost out on political contests and support from voters; most voters were the future of the country, no matter how the election may turn. The fact not going to be excited about leaders that promising to do nothing.67 One citizen from Mattoon, that they all defer to the Union sentiment of the country proves that the Illinois wrote in support: Union is a little too strong yet for either of them to destroy, if they were so I believe that the perpetuity of the Union and the liberties of our people 62 disposed. depend upon the success of a 'National Party' that shall not adopt the Douglas however, did not share the same opinion. He was the first to break with tradition and extreme views of either ofthe present prominent political parties. When I campaign for himself and, in a bold move, he traveled to southern states where he was despised see what has passed in Congress, threatening disunion, I am not astonished by the people, in hopes of saving parts of the Union. that the conservative element of the country, seeing a crisis at hand, have The Breckenridge campaign found weakness in the' Constitutional Union Party's stance; determined to divert the public mind into a different channel, and thereby whose interpretation of the Constitution did they follow, that of Washington and Madison, avert the blow that must have fallen ere long very heavily upon that best Calhoun, Yancey and Taney, or Douglas?63 Between the two, neither Bell nor Everett had issued interest of the country.68 a formal statement on their opinion of slavery, which added to vague platform. Even though this presented Bell as a weak candidate allowing "his Southern campaign supporters to praise slavery Their hope lay in a combination of voters from all backgrounds with enough Union sentiment to ... [and] at the same time his Northern supporters in Massachusetts, the home of Everett, the avoid civil war, and to politically work out the differences between the North and the South. vice presidential candidate, stoutly denied any sympathy or connection with slavery." Everett's Ideally, they wanted to appeal to voters in the middle. ,ft antislavery record appeared later in the campaign. Once the double-front of their campaign Constitutional Unionists hoped to gain support from all areas of the country, though they " ~ became apparent, it weakened their attractiveness as a Union party. ~ did not focus much time or energy in the western states. Their campaign slogans appealed to the ... The Republicans never truly found secession an issue which they should be concerned patriotic elements in every citizen. Some ofthe most notable are: "In Union there is strength. ~.. with and "they ridiculed the Southern braggadocio, joked about it, but almost never took it up in k The Union: nothing can dissolve it. Applause follows merit where-Ever-et goes. A vote for 1'. earnest debate.,,64 After secession had been attempted, however northern Republicans took the Breckinridge is a vote for Lincoln. Satan was the first Seceder. The patriots of '76, we feel their ~; issue seriously. But to discuss the matter before Lincoln's election would seal the fate of the spirit and will perpetuate their work. The States: Distinct as billows; one as the sea.,,69 In southern states and many of Lincoln's supporters would have thought harder about casting their ~~. Massachusetts, Everett's home state, and other northern states like New York, Union meetings ballot for him if it meant the onset of civil war. Most historians have agreed that this was the took place in mass, but the candidates did not expect to win there. Everett admitted that he ~; Republican Party's major error of the campaign, and "hindsight was to reveal that Southerners thought the battle had been lost even before the election took place. He hoped to block the means what they said. ,,65 election of Lincoln, and Bell wished the same. Bell anticipated that moderate Republicans I:. In the meantime, supporters of the Constitutional Union Party sought another goal. would sense Lincoln did not have a chance as a sectional candidate and switch their votes to the f,.'~" Instead of discussing divisive issues, such as the Homestead Act, like the Democrats and the Constitutional Union Party to prevent a Democratic victory. Since the Democrats were split ~, Republicans, the Constitutional Unionists tried to revive the ideals and policies of the Founding anyway, it seemed lo~ical to vote for Bell, the one candidate that attempted to bridge the gap k Fathers in an effort to uphold the Union. Members of the party felt that "all party issues were between the sections. 0 Everett had a similar outlook; he hoped to gain votes from the South to declared secondary to the preservation of the Union.,,66 Since the party declared no formal create a non-sectional voting bloc. Everett described Lincoln as a "moderate and reasonable platform, although some members of the Pennsylvania delegation did want a tariff proposal, man,,71, but he feared Lincoln's election as a representative ofa sectional, antislavery party party members expected to fail. In its place, the Constitutional Union Party that formed would undoubtedly lead to Southern succession. In other words, the Constitutional Unionists consisted of members of the populace who were determined to avoid civil war and disunion. hoped to pull enough votes to throw the election to the House. This was an atypical party destined to fail, but the Constitutional Unionists did not give up hope; Even this task proved too difficult for the non-sectional party. In the North, the they continued to campaign and took a drastically different approach at the election than their Constitutional Unionists knew that Lincoln had enormous strength and Everett expected to lose three counterparts. Massachusetts. Early polling indicated that there was a possibility that the Unionists could take First, their appeal to the Constitution and the enforcement of the laws was exactly what New York, but by November Republican strength was more than they could handle. In the every political party claims to stand for; a party would not pledge themselves as disloyal to the South, Bell and Everett opened with an appeal to southern Unionists and for the most part, the

62 The Daily Nationallntelligencer, June 30, 1860. 67 Ibid 356 63 Fite, 186. 68 The'Dail~National Intelligencer, March 14,1860. 64 Fite, 187. "The Daily National Intelligencer" August 10,1860. 6S McPherson, 230. 70 Parks, 356. .. Parks, Joseph Howard. John Bell o/Tennessee. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1950. 355. 71 Varg, 190. '" 16 17 Constructing the Past Constructing the Past plan worked. They had a strong showing in the beginning but their support faltered as Election Why were the Constitutional Unionists unsuccessful in their bid to save the Union with a Day neared, just like it had in many northern states. The Breckenridge Democrats attacked national party? The first noticeable problem was their lack of a platform. The party did not Everett as antislavery and even published articles stating that his children went to school with stand for anything that distinguished them from the rest; every party claimed to uphold the 72 blacks. Everett admitted that they did, but he found no merit in arguing over something he saw Constitution. Second, Bell's nomination as the party's candidate for president "was probably an as insignificant. This charge helped weaken the Unionists showing which lead to a sweep of unwise move.,,75 He was hated by many southern Democrats and Whigs, but was a slaveholder southern states by Breckenridge. The Daily National Intelligencer, sympathetic to the Unionist and lost the trust of many Republicans, even though the two groups may not have united for a cause and managed by a friend of Bell's, defended the Unionists position noting that electing a non-Republican Party anyways. Moreover, he lacked the charismatic qualities of a party leader. Republican, or either of the Democrats, would be a worse choice for the nation. 76 th His speeches were well-planned and too organized to solicit enthusiasm from supporters. By the time November 6 rolled around, it was a known fact that Republicans held a Everett was an educated academic and had a lack-luster personality. majority of the strength throughout the campaign and the Democrats half-expected defeat. The The Constitutional Unionists' candidates' character flaws were not the only problem. only hope for the northern and southern Democrats and the Constitutional Unionists would be an Throughout the campaign, the Unionists were criticized for not taking a stance on any of the amalgamation of all three parties in order to deny Lincoln'the electoral majority he needed, and issues. They were attacked by the proslavery Democrats for keeping quiet on the slavery issue therefore throw the election into the House of Representatives. This was not likely to happen despite attempts from both Unionists and opposition parties to attain some position. Still, Bell with the "legacy of warfare between Douglas and Buchanan [which] thwarted cooperation, while refused to commit himself to a stance. The Unionists were consistently berated and this the Know-Nothing ancestry of the Constitutional Unionists bred distrust among foreign-born eventually took its toll. Bell and the rest of the party members were demoralized shortly after the Democrats.,,73 The feud between the Breckenridge and Bell supporters grew fierce as Election convention by Lincoln's ever-growing strength. During the summer, some party members' Day approached. Last minute efforts in eastern states like New York, New Jersey, and efforts turned to creating a fusion ticket between the Democrats and Unionists but this venture Pennsylvania did produce some fusion tickets which combined the efforts of the Constitutional also failed. New York and New Jersey attempted the endeavor but without success. This Unionists and both Democratic factions in order to prevent a Republican victory. The fusion illustrated another problem that plagued the Unionists-the party was disorganized. tickets' goal was to attract enough voters to deny the Republicans votes and preserve the Union Representatives from different areas of the country did not coordinate with each, especially in at the same time. Unfortunately, the fusion movement was not strong enough. regards to fusion tickets at the state level. Lincoln and the Republican Party were victorious. Lincoln did not capture a majority of The Unionists' campaign was not all bad news, however. Encouraging reports ofpockets the popular vote, earning 39.82 percent, but did succeed in winning 59.4 percent of the electoral of support did fill the party's headquarters in Washington D.C., giving Bell and Everett some vote, making him the next President of the United States. Lincoln carried seventeen states, all hope. Large numbers of supporters were found in Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, northern or western. Douglas achieved his only northern victory in New Jersey, which was only Alabama, and Kentucky, but the numbers were not strong enough in the end to fulfill the goal accomplished through a fusion ticket of all three opposition parties. John Bell managed to they set out to achieve. The Pennsylvania state elections on October 9 proved Lincoln's strength capture parts the Border States of Virginia, Kentucky, and his home state of Tennessee, but did and pushed him closer to winning the election and southerners farther from the Union. Last not succeed in taking any states from Lincoln. It is important to note that he captured thirteen minute parades and meetings failed to win the public over. Oliver P. Temple, an ardent percent of the popular vote. This is significant in the fact that this was the party's first (and last) supporter of Bell and the Union well into the Civil War, remarked, "Mr. Bell was the only election, he won more electoral votes that Douglas, and was only behind Breckinridge by five national candidate. His election would have prevented secession. If the North had been as votes. Despite competition from the Constitutional Unionists, Breckinridge managed to sweep 74 anxious in 1860 to save the Union as it became in 1861, it would have voted for Mr. Bell.,,77 His most ofthe upper and the entire lower south. idea is worth contemplation, but in the end, the struggle for the Union most likely would have Lincoln's election was the beginning of disunion. A battle between antislavery endured and need for compromise probably would have continued even if Bell was elected. supporters and Unionists, who favored some concessions in order to preserve the Union, raged in Despite noble ambitions, the Constitutional Unionists were not strong enough to unite the Union the North, while in the South, politicians were unwavering. They wanted concessions or under the simple idea of the Constitution. nothing. Northern papers and Republican supporters rallied to the South's warnings and stated that Lincoln and his administration did not seek to destroy them, but it was too late. The Secession Crisis had taken hold of the incoming Republican administration and, for the first time, the southern warnings sank into northern ears. Despite encouragement from Democrats, northern and southern, as well as Constitutional Unionists, Lincoln said nothing during the crisis. Partly because of this, Republicans did not have much reason to celebrate their victory. A month later South Carolina succeeded from the Union. Lincoln's lame duck administration waited while prospects for maintaining the Union grew weaker and weaker.

72 Ibid, 75 Parks, 357, 73 McPherson, 232. 76 Ibid, 74 See Figure 1. 77 Parks, 388,

18 19

\ , Constructing the Past .~ Constructing the Past ~ plan worked They had a strong showing in the beginning but their support faltered as Election Why were the Constitutional Unionists unsuccessful in their bid to save the Union with a Day neared, just like it had in many northern states. The Breckemidge Democrats attacked national party? The first noticeable problem was their lack of a platform. The party did not Everett as antislavery and even published articles stating that his children went to school with 72 stand for anything that distinguished them from the rest; every party claimed to uphold the blacks. Everett admitted that they did, but he found no merit in arguing over something he saw Constitution. Second, Bell's nomination as the party's candidate for president "was probably an as insignificant. This charge helped weaken the Unionists showing which lead to a sweep of unwise move. ,,75 He was hated by many southern Democrats and Whigs, but was a slaveholder southern states by Breckenridge. The Daily Nationallntelligencer, sympathetic to the Unionist and lost the trust of many Republicans, even though the two groups may not have united for a cause and managed by a friend of Bell's, defended the Unionists position noting that electing a non-Republican Party anyways. Moreover, he lacked the charismatic qualities of a party leader. Republican, or either of the Democrats, would be a worse choice for the nation. 76 th His speeches were well-planned and too organized to solicit enthusiasm from supporters. By the time November 6 rolled around, it was a known fact that Republicans held a Everett was an educated academic and had a lack-luster personality. majority of the strength throughout the campaign and the Democrats half-expected defeat. The The Constitutional Unionists' candidates' character flaws were not the only problem. only hope for the northern and southern Democrats and the Constitutional Unionists would be an Throughout the campaign, the Unionists were criticized for not taking a stance on any of the amalgamation of all three parties in order to deny Lincoln'the electoral majority he needed, and issues. They were attacked by the proslavery Democrats for keeping quiet on the slavery issue therefore throw the election into the House of Representatives. This was not likely to happen despite attempts from both Unionists and opposition parties to attain some position. Still, Bell with the "legacy of warfare between Douglas and Buchanan [which] thwarted cooperation, while refused to commit himself to a stance. The Unionists were consistently berated and this the Know-Nothing ancestry of the Constitutional Unionists bred distrust among foreign-born eventually took its toll. Bell and the rest of the party members were demoralized shortly after the Democrats.,,73 The feud between the Breckenridge and Bell supporters grew fierce as Election convention by Lincoln's ever-growing strength. During the summer, some party members' Day approached. Last minute efforts in eastern states like New York, New Jersey, and efforts turned to creating a fusion ticket between the Democrats and Unionists but this venture Pennsylvania did produce some fusion tickets which combined the efforts of the Constitutional also failed. New York and New Jersey attempted the endeavor but without success. This Unionists and both Democratic factions in order to prevent a Republican victory. The fusion illustrated another problem that plagued the Unionists-the party was disorganized. tickets' goal was to attract enough voters to deny the Republicans votes and preserve the Union Representatives from different areas of the country did not coordinate with each, especially in at the same time. Unfortunately, the fusion movement was not strong enough. regards to fusion tickets at the state level. Lincoln and the Republican Party were victorious. Lincoln did not capture a majority of The Unionists' campaign was not all bad news, however. Encouraging reports ofpockets the popular vote, earning 39.82 percent, but did succeed in winning 59.4 percent ofthe electoral of support did fill the party's headquarters in Washington D.C., giving Bell and Everett some vote, making him the next President of the United States. Lincoln carried seventeen states, all hope. Large numbers of supporters were found in Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, Georgia, northern or western. Douglas achieved his only northern victory in New Jersey, which was only Alabama, and Kentucky, but the numbers were not strong enough in the end to fulfill the goal accomplished through a fusion ticket of all three opposition parties. John Bell managed to they set out to achieve. The Pennsylvania state elections on October 9 proved Lincoln's strength capture parts the Border States of Virginia, Kentucky, and his home state of Tennessee, but did and pushed him closer to winning the election and southerners farther from the Union. Last not succeed in taking any states from Lincoln. It is important to note that he captured thirteen minute parades and meetings failed to win the public over. Oliver P. Temple, an ardent percent of the popular vote. This is significant in the fact that this was the party's first (and last) supporter ofBell and the Union well into the Civil War, remarked, "Mr. Bell was the only election, he won more electoral votes that Douglas, and was only behind Breckinridge by five national candidate. His election would have prevented secession. If the North had been as votes. Despite competition from the Constitutional Unionists, Breckimidge managed to sweep 74 anxious in 1860 to save the Union as it became in 1861, it would have voted for Mr. Bell.,,77 His most of the upper and the entire lower south. idea is worth contemplation, but in the end, the struggle for the Union most likely would have Lincoln's election was the beginning of disunion. A battle between antislavery endured and need for compromise probably would have continued even ifBell was elected. supporters and Unionists, who favored some concessions in order to preserve the Union, raged in Despite noble ambitions, the Constitutional Unionists were not strong enough to unite the Union the North, while in the South, politicians were unwavering. They wanted concessions or under the simple idea of the Constitution. nothing. Northern papers and Republican supporters rallied to the South's warnings and stated that Lincoln and his administration did not seek to destroy them, but it was too late. The Secession Crisis had taken hold of the incoming Republican administration and, for the first time, the southern warnings sank into northern ears. Despite encouragement from Democrats, northern and southern, as well as Constitutional Unionists, Lincoln said nothing during the crisis. Partly because of this, Republicans did not have much reason to celebrate their victory. A month later South Carolina succeeded from the Union. Lincoln's lame duck administration waited while prospects for maintaining the Union grew weaker and weaker.

72 Ibid. 75 Parks, 357, 73 McPherson, 232, 76 Ibid, 74 See Figure 1. 77 Parks, 388,

18 19

\ . Constructing the Past Constructing the Past

Figure I: 1860 Presidential Election Results78 Bibliography -;;;~id~~ti-al- lIVi~~-p~-e~idential fPolitical -. \- -;'--'~:- t EI t I V Candidate ,Candidate IParty opu ar 0 e ec ora ote Primary Sources

• Abraham Lincoln !Hannibal Hamlin ,Republican I,865,908 !39~82%. 180! 59.4% New York Times. New York: The New York Times Company. March 1858- July 1861. '0 John Bre~kenridge !JosephLane IS. Demo~~~t 848,019118.1 O%-';h r-:n.8%, o ;J~lm Bell -iEd~~~d Everett iCo~~-t:Union 590,90 1112.62% --39 f!2.9% The Daily National InteHigencer. Washington D.C.: Gales & Seaton. January-December 1860. D~uglas J~I';nson-lDemo~rat • Stephen [Herschel 1,380,202 f29.46% 1"--'1'2 4.0% Secondary Sources 'rather - r-- - r-- r" 531T 6:0lo/c,r 0 - 0% r-- -~%.r-r=-r=- Brown, Thomas. "Edward Everett and the Constitutional Union PaI1y of 1860." Historical -­ Journal ofMassachusetts II :2. 69-81. - r <50% ' I - D,D ---;50% .r.b[_ Fite, Emerson David. The Presidential Campaign of1860. New York: MacMillan Company, r-- 1911. i r- >60% '.': -::-l • [­ ··· _.- ",- r- ,'" Leip, David. "1860 Presidential Election Results." US Election Atlas. 1999. Accessed online r >70% .1-.1­ January 29, 2004. www.uselectionatlas.orgfUSPRESIDENT/GENERALlpeI860.html

~-- McPherson, James. BailIe Cry for Freedom, The Civil War Era. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2003. 202-233.

Parks, Joseph Howard. John Bel! ofTennessee. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1950. 339-407.

Varg, Paul A. Edward Everett, The Intellectual in the Turmoil ofPolitics. Selinsgrove: Susquehanna University Press, 1992. Data IData I

... - _.- _----_.__ ­ Election Notes: Electors from the state of South Carolina were appointed by the state legislature (and not elected in a popular vote).

78 Leip, David. "1860 Presidel1lial Election Results." US Election Atlas. 1999. wwwuselcctionatlas.org/USPRESIDENT/GENERALlpeI860.html

20 21 Constructing the Past Construelin/; the Past

Figure I: 1860 Presidential Election Results78 Bibliography r,IP~eSidential TVi~~Presi~i"ential :Political I Popular Vote Electoral Vote Primary Sources Candidate 'Candidate !party • Abraham Lincoln (Hannibal Hamlin Republican 11,865,908 139.82% 180! 59.4% New York Times. New York: The New York Times Company. March 1858- July 1861. o Joh~Breckenridge rJosephr.:;ne IS. De~~crat r 848,6"i9;] 8.10% -7223.8% D John Bell-IEd;;~dEverett' [Co~st."U~ionr 590~90i 2.62%-39 1:2:9% The Daily National Intelligencer. Washington D.C.: Gales & Seaton. January-December 1860. Douglas-rH~schel "4~0% :.'Stephen Johnson [Democrat 1,380,202 !29.46% 12! Secondary Sources T Other ~[=- _.. _.. :=- ~f~~r-; - 531 6.6io;.; I" " 0 0% Brown, Thomas. "Edward Everett and the Constitutional Union Pal1y of 1860." Historical I <40% Journal ofMassachusetts II :2. 69-81. <50% - Fite, Emerson David. The Presidential Campaign of1860. New York: IvlacMillan Company, r 1911. [ Leip, David. "1860 Presidential Election Results." US Elect,ion Atlas. 1999. Accessed online r-' January 29, 2004. W\vw.uselectionatlas.org/USPRESIDENT/GENERALIpe l860.html

McPherson, James. Battle Cry for Freedom, The Civil rVar Era. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press, 2003. 202-233.

Parks, Joseph Howard. John Bell ofTennessee. Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1950. 339-407.

Varg, Paul A. Edward Everett, The Intellectual in the Turmoil ofPolitics. Selinsgrove: Susquehanna University Press, 1992.

...... _-...... • . _ _-.... -.- -.., , ~ _, _ . Election Notes: Electors from the state of South Carolina were appointed by the state legislature (and not elected in a popular vote).

Jg Leip, David. "1860 Presidential Election Results" US Election Atlas. 1999. WWIV. uselectionatlas.orgiUS PRES (DENTIGEN ERALIpe 18 60. html

20 21